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03.01.2009 23:01
"Barça opened its doors to me again"
www.fcbarcelona.cat
Diego Armando Maradona was delighted to return to his former home, and said "Barça opened its doors to me again". The Argentinian manager was pleased with the welcome he received from Joan Laporta.
Rather than focusing on the way Guardiola’s side is playing or Leo Messi’s role in the Argentina national team, Maradona spoke more to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat about how happy he was to be back at the Camp Nou after an absence of nearly 25 years : " I left here on poor terms because of Núñez. They have opened their doors to me again. I am very happy with the reception I got from the new president Laporta, he is a real gentleman."
The current Argentina national manager watched the game with Mallorca from the Presidential Box , and promised he will be back at the Camp Nou very soon. "I am very happy that they opened their doors the way I wanted. I am very grateful to the president and the board of directors."
Leo Messi
As for Maradona’s chat with Joan Laporta at half time,
he felt the most important thing was that "we both want the best for Messi, both in Barcelona and
for Argentina. We want Messi to always be well.” So the main aim is “to protect Leo as
much as he deserves. We all want him into the king we all want".
The new Argentinan coach considers Messi to be the “standard-bearer of Argentina”, and is pleased he plays for Barça "which is surely the best club in the world".
Barça the best
He then found time to speak about Pep Guardiola’s side, which he considers simply amazing. "I think Barça are stupendous. It is the best team and they are playing true football.” He is especially attracted by players like Xavi, Messi, Eto'o and Henry, who “can tip the balance, and when they are one on one with the goalkeeper can do some splendid things ".
Laporta: "It is the return of a Barça idol "
Joan Laporta was just as pleased to be able to welcome Maradona, saying "it is the return of a
Barça idol and an exceptional person. He was the best player in the world."
The president described the emotion of the night as incredible. "A little bit of Barça’s heart is with Maradona. I am sure that both Argentina and Barça will protect Messi and reconcile for each of our interests. Maradona knows what Messi is going through better than anyone. He is being consolidated as the best player in the world."
The president described the emotion of the night as incredible. "A little bit of Barça’s heart is with Maradona. I am sure that both Argentina and Barça will protect Messi and reconcile for each of our interests. Maradona knows what Messi is going through better than anyone. He is being consolidated as the best player in the world."
